EU4IP programme partners join international GI cooperation conference in Alicante

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) hosted the ‘International Conference on Strengthening Geographical Indication (GI) Cooperation Projects’ organised by OriGIn and Origen Spain on 5 and 6 November 2026 at its headquarters in Alicante, Spain. In the framework of the EU-funded EU4IP and EU4IP-WB projects, GI representatives from Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia participated in the conference.

Bringing together GI stakeholders and experts, the conference took stock of 20 years of cooperation initiatives in the field of geographical indications and provided a forum to discuss how future cooperation can be better coordinated and made more effective. For the EU4IP-supported delegations, the event provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with European and international peers, make professional connections and gain insights into how to better support GI producers and associations.

Discussions during the two-day programme addressed the impact of international GI cooperation and emerging challenges. Particular attention was given to the practical needs of GI producers and the market opportunities available to agricultural products, wines and spirits, especially in emerging economies and countries.

Participants also explored the specific needs of craft and industrial GI producers, including the opportunities arising from the EU framework for the protection of craft and industrial geographical indications. The programme concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the next generation of GI cooperation projects, focusing on improved coordination, continued support for producers’ associations and recommendations for future programmes. 

This activity reflects the EUIPO’s broader international cooperation in the field of geographical indications. After years of cooperation with the European Commission in this area, the EUIPO now has responsibility for the registration of craft and industrial geographical indications at EU level. Through the EU-funded EU4IP project, the EUIPO facilitates opportunities for stakeholders and partners to exchange expertise and strengthen links with their European and international counterparts.

_{*This name does not prejudge the status of Kosovo and is in line with UN Resolution 1244 and the decision of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo's declaration of independence.}